Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A wireless communication terminal, the terminal comprising: a processor; and a communication unit, wherein the processor is configured to: receive a wireless packet through the communication unit, obtain bandwidth information indicated via a bandwidth field of HE-SIG-A of the received packet, obtain information of an unassigned resource unit via at least one of the bandwidth field of the HE-SIG-A and a subfield of HE-SIG-B of the received packet, and decode the received packet based on the bandwidth information and the information of the unassigned resource unit, wherein the information of the unassigned resource unit is indicated via a combination of the bandwidth field of the HE-SIG-A and a resource unit allocation field of the HE-SIG-B, and wherein the bandwidth field of the HE-SIG-A indicates channel information to be punctured within the bandwidth, and the resource unit allocation field indicates additional puncturing information for the unassigned resource unit within the bandwidth.
This invention relates to wireless communication terminals, specifically for handling packet decoding in high-efficiency wireless networks. The problem addressed is the efficient decoding of wireless packets when certain frequency resources (resource units) are unassigned or punctured, which can occur due to regulatory constraints, interference, or dynamic spectrum allocation. The invention provides a method for a terminal to accurately decode packets by extracting and combining bandwidth and puncturing information from multiple fields in the packet header. The terminal includes a processor and a communication unit. The processor receives a wireless packet and extracts bandwidth information from the HE-SIG-A field, which indicates the overall channel bandwidth. Additionally, the processor obtains information about unassigned resource units (punctured frequencies) from either the HE-SIG-A bandwidth field or a subfield within HE-SIG-B. The HE-SIG-A bandwidth field specifies which parts of the bandwidth are punctured, while the HE-SIG-B resource unit allocation field provides further details on additional puncturing within the bandwidth. The terminal then decodes the packet using this combined information to correctly interpret the transmitted data despite the presence of unassigned resource units. This approach ensures reliable communication in scenarios where dynamic spectrum usage or interference requires selective frequency exclusion.
2. The wireless communication terminal of claim 1 , wherein the resource unit allocation field indicates a specific resource unit not assigned to a user through a predetermined index.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically improving resource allocation in wireless networks. The problem addressed is inefficient use of communication resources, where resource units may be left unassigned or improperly allocated, leading to wasted bandwidth and reduced network efficiency. The invention describes a wireless communication terminal that includes a resource unit allocation field. This field is used to indicate a specific resource unit that is not assigned to any user. The indication is done through a predetermined index, allowing the system to clearly identify and manage unassigned resource units. This helps optimize resource allocation by ensuring that available resource units are properly tracked and utilized, preventing waste and improving overall network performance. The terminal may also include a control unit that processes the resource unit allocation field to determine the status of resource units. This allows the terminal to dynamically adjust resource allocation based on real-time network conditions. The system may further include a transmission unit that sends and receives data using the allocated resource units, ensuring efficient communication while avoiding conflicts with unassigned units. By clearly marking unassigned resource units, the invention enables better resource management, reduces interference, and enhances the overall efficiency of wireless communication networks. This approach is particularly useful in dense network environments where resource allocation must be carefully managed to maintain performance.
3. The wireless communication terminal of claim 2 , wherein the specific resource unit not assigned to a user is at least one of a 242-tone resource unit, a 484-tone resource unit, and a 996-tone resource unit.
This invention relates to wireless communication terminals, specifically addressing the efficient allocation of resource units in wireless networks. The problem being solved involves optimizing the use of available bandwidth by identifying and utilizing resource units that are not assigned to any user. These unassigned resource units can be of varying sizes, including 242-tone, 484-tone, and 996-tone resource units. The wireless communication terminal is configured to detect these unassigned resource units and dynamically allocate them for data transmission or other communication purposes. This approach improves spectral efficiency by reducing wasted bandwidth and enhancing overall network performance. The terminal may also include mechanisms to prioritize or manage the allocation of these resource units based on network conditions or user requirements. By leveraging unassigned resource units, the invention enables more flexible and efficient use of the available spectrum, particularly in dense or high-traffic wireless environments. The solution is applicable to various wireless communication standards and can be integrated into existing network architectures to enhance resource utilization.
4. The wireless communication terminal of claim 1 , wherein the information of the unassigned resource unit is obtained through resource unit arrangement information indicated by the resource unit allocation field of the HE-SIG-B and a Null STA ID contained in a user field corresponding to a specific resource unit in the resource unit arrangement.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for identifying unassigned resource units in a wireless network. The problem addressed is the need for efficient resource allocation in wireless networks, particularly in environments using High Efficiency (HE) signaling, such as Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). In such systems, resource units (RUs) are allocated to different stations (STAs) for data transmission, but some RUs may remain unassigned. The invention provides a way for a wireless communication terminal to detect and utilize these unassigned RUs. The terminal obtains information about unassigned RUs by analyzing the resource unit allocation field in the HE-SIG-B (High Efficiency Signal-B) frame. The HE-SIG-B frame contains a resource unit arrangement, which defines how RUs are allocated to different STAs. The terminal checks for a Null STA ID in the user field corresponding to a specific RU. A Null STA ID indicates that the RU is unassigned and can be used for opportunistic transmission or other purposes. This allows the terminal to dynamically identify and utilize available RUs without requiring additional signaling, improving spectral efficiency and reducing overhead in the network. The invention enhances resource utilization in dense wireless environments where efficient allocation is critical.
5. The wireless communication terminal of claim 1 , wherein the specific resource unit is at least one of a 26-tone resource unit, a 52-tone resource unit, and a 106-tone resource unit.
Wireless communication systems, particularly those operating in unlicensed frequency bands, face challenges in efficiently allocating and utilizing available spectrum resources. Existing methods may not adequately support flexible resource unit configurations, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of data throughput, latency, and spectral efficiency. To address these issues, a wireless communication terminal is designed to support specific resource unit configurations tailored for high-efficiency wireless local area network (HEW) operations. The terminal includes a transceiver configured to communicate using at least one of a 26-tone resource unit, a 52-tone resource unit, or a 106-tone resource unit. These resource units are selected based on the communication requirements, such as data rate, latency, or interference conditions, to optimize spectrum utilization. The terminal may dynamically switch between these resource units to adapt to varying channel conditions or network demands. Additionally, the terminal may coordinate with other devices to avoid conflicts and ensure efficient use of the available spectrum. By supporting these specific resource unit sizes, the terminal enhances flexibility and performance in dense wireless environments, particularly in unlicensed bands where spectrum sharing is critical. This approach improves overall system efficiency and user experience in high-traffic scenarios.
6. The wireless communication terminal of claim 1 , wherein when the bandwidth field indicates puncturing of one of two 20 MHz channels in a secondary 40 MHz channel within a bandwidth of 80 MHz or puncturing of at least one of two 20 MHz channels in a secondary 40 MHz channel within a bandwidth of 160 MHz or 80+80 MHz, the resource unit allocation field indicates which 20 MHz channel in the secondary 40 MHz channel is punctured.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to resource allocation in high-bandwidth environments where puncturing of specific frequency channels is required. The problem addressed involves efficiently indicating which 20 MHz channels are punctured within a secondary 40 MHz channel in broader bandwidth configurations, such as 80 MHz, 160 MHz, or 80+80 MHz. Puncturing refers to the selective exclusion of certain frequency channels to avoid interference or optimize resource usage. The invention describes a wireless communication terminal that includes a bandwidth field and a resource unit allocation field. The bandwidth field signals whether puncturing occurs in a secondary 40 MHz channel within an 80 MHz, 160 MHz, or 80+80 MHz bandwidth. When puncturing is indicated, the resource unit allocation field specifies which 20 MHz channel within the secondary 40 MHz channel is punctured. This ensures precise resource allocation by clearly identifying the affected 20 MHz segment, allowing the terminal to adapt its transmission or reception accordingly. The solution enhances spectral efficiency and interference management in high-bandwidth wireless networks by providing explicit puncturing information.
7. The wireless communication terminal of claim 1 , wherein when the bandwidth field indicates puncturing of a secondary 20 MHz channel within a bandwidth of 160 MHz or 80+80 MHz or puncturing of at least one of two 20 MHz channels in a secondary 40 MHz channel within a bandwidth of 160 MHz or 80+80 MHz, the resource unit allocation field indicates additional puncturing in a secondary 80 MHz channel.
This invention relates to wireless communication terminals, specifically addressing bandwidth management in high-bandwidth communication systems. The problem solved involves efficiently managing puncturing of secondary channels within wide bandwidth configurations, such as 160 MHz or 80+80 MHz, to optimize resource allocation and minimize interference. The terminal includes a bandwidth field that indicates puncturing of a secondary 20 MHz channel within a 160 MHz or 80+80 MHz bandwidth. Additionally, it may indicate puncturing of at least one of two 20 MHz channels in a secondary 40 MHz channel within the same bandwidth. When such puncturing is detected, a resource unit allocation field signals further puncturing in a secondary 80 MHz channel. This hierarchical puncturing approach ensures that resource allocation adapts dynamically to avoid conflicts and maintain efficient data transmission across multiple frequency bands. The system enhances spectral efficiency by selectively disabling portions of the bandwidth where interference or signal degradation is detected, while preserving usable channels for optimal performance. This method is particularly useful in dense wireless environments where bandwidth fragmentation and interference management are critical.
8. A wireless communication method of a wireless communication terminal, the method comprising: receiving a wireless packet; obtaining bandwidth information indicated via a bandwidth field of HE-SIG-A of the received packet; obtaining information of an unassigned resource unit via at least one of the bandwidth field of the HE-SIG-A and a subfield of HE-SIG-B of the received packet; and decoding the received packet based on the bandwidth information and the information of the unassigned resource unit, wherein the information of the unassigned resource unit is indicated via a combination of the bandwidth field of the HE-SIG-A and a resource unit allocation field of the HE-SIG-B, and wherein the bandwidth field of the HE-SIG-A indicates channel information to be punctured within the bandwidth, and the resource unit allocation field indicates additional puncturing information for the unassigned resource unit within the bandwidth.
This invention relates to wireless communication methods for efficiently decoding packets in high-efficiency wireless local area networks (HE-WLANs), particularly addressing challenges in handling punctured or unassigned resource units within a communication channel. The method involves a wireless communication terminal receiving a wireless packet and extracting bandwidth information from the HE-SIG-A field, which specifies the overall channel bandwidth and identifies punctured channels within that bandwidth. Additionally, the terminal obtains information about unassigned resource units from either the HE-SIG-A bandwidth field or a subfield within HE-SIG-B. The HE-SIG-B field further includes a resource unit allocation field that provides additional puncturing details, allowing the terminal to precisely determine which specific resource units are unassigned within the bandwidth. By combining these fields, the terminal can accurately decode the received packet, accounting for both the overall bandwidth and the punctured or unassigned resource units. This approach ensures efficient use of available spectrum while minimizing interference and improving communication reliability in dynamic wireless environments.
9. The wireless communication method of claim 8 , wherein the resource unit allocation field indicates a specific resource unit not assigned to a user through a predetermined index.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for allocating resource units in a network. The problem addressed is the efficient and flexible assignment of communication resources to users while avoiding conflicts and ensuring optimal utilization. The method involves using a resource unit allocation field to dynamically assign specific resource units to users, where the allocation field includes a predetermined index that identifies a particular resource unit not currently assigned to any user. This allows the system to quickly and accurately determine available resources without redundant checks or signaling overhead. The technique is particularly useful in dense network environments where resource contention is high, such as in 5G or beyond-5G wireless systems. By leveraging a predefined index, the method reduces computational complexity and latency in resource allocation decisions. The approach can be integrated into existing wireless protocols to improve spectral efficiency and minimize interference. The invention ensures that resource units are allocated in a structured manner, preventing overlaps and ensuring fair access for all users. This method is part of a broader system for managing wireless communications, where resource units are dynamically assigned based on real-time network conditions and user demands. The use of a predetermined index simplifies the allocation process, making it scalable for large-scale deployments.
10. The wireless communication method of claim 9 , wherein the specific resource unit not assigned to a user is at least one of a 242-tone resource unit, a 484-tone resource unit, and a 996-tone resource unit.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for managing resource units in multi-user environments. The problem addressed is the efficient allocation of available communication resources to multiple users while avoiding conflicts and ensuring optimal utilization. The method involves identifying and utilizing specific resource units that are not currently assigned to any user. These unassigned resource units can be of different sizes, including 242-tone, 484-tone, and 996-tone resource units. The method dynamically selects these unassigned units for new transmissions or reallocations, improving spectral efficiency and reducing interference. The approach ensures that available bandwidth is maximized by leveraging unused tones, which are typically defined by the system's modulation and coding schemes. By dynamically assigning these specific resource units, the system can adapt to varying user demands and network conditions, enhancing overall performance. The method is particularly useful in dense wireless networks where resource allocation must be precise to prevent collisions and maintain high data rates. The invention focuses on optimizing the use of unassigned tones to support multiple users efficiently, ensuring reliable and high-speed communication.
11. The wireless communication method of claim 8 , wherein the information of the unassigned resource unit is obtained through resource unit arrangement information indicated by the resource unit allocation field of the HE-SIG-B and a Null STA ID contained in a user field corresponding to a specific resource unit in the resource unit arrangement.
This invention relates to wireless communication methods for identifying unassigned resource units in a wireless network, particularly in high-efficiency wireless local area networks (HE-WLANs). The problem addressed is the need for efficient resource unit allocation and identification of unassigned resource units to optimize network performance and reduce interference. The method involves obtaining information about unassigned resource units by analyzing resource unit arrangement information indicated by a resource unit allocation field in the HE-SIG-B (High-Efficiency Signal-B) field of a wireless frame. The HE-SIG-B field contains a user field corresponding to specific resource units, and the presence of a Null STA ID (Station Identifier) in this user field indicates that the corresponding resource unit is unassigned. By detecting the Null STA ID, the wireless communication device can identify which resource units are available for allocation or reassignment. This approach allows for dynamic and efficient management of resource units in a multi-user environment, ensuring that unassigned units are quickly identified and utilized, thereby improving overall network efficiency and reducing wasted bandwidth. The method is particularly useful in dense wireless networks where resource allocation must be carefully managed to avoid conflicts and maximize throughput.
12. The wireless communication method of claim 8 , wherein the specific resource unit is at least one of a 26-tone resource unit, a 52-tone resource unit, and a 106-tone resource unit.
This invention relates to wireless communication methods, specifically for allocating specific resource units in a wireless network. The problem addressed is the efficient utilization of available bandwidth in wireless communication systems, particularly in environments where different resource units must be dynamically assigned to optimize performance. The method involves selecting a specific resource unit from a predefined set of resource units for transmitting data in a wireless network. The resource units are defined by their tone allocations, which determine the bandwidth and capacity of the communication channel. The specific resource units include a 26-tone resource unit, a 52-tone resource unit, and a 106-tone resource unit, each providing different levels of bandwidth and efficiency depending on the communication requirements. The selection of the resource unit is based on factors such as the amount of data to be transmitted, the quality of the communication channel, and the current network conditions. By dynamically assigning the appropriate resource unit, the method ensures efficient use of the available spectrum, reduces interference, and improves overall communication performance. The method is particularly useful in wireless networks where bandwidth allocation must be optimized to support varying data rates and network loads.
13. The wireless communication method of claim 8 , wherein when the bandwidth field indicates puncturing of one of two 20 MHz channels in a secondary 40 MHz channel within a bandwidth of 80 MHz or puncturing of at least one of two 20 MHz channels in a secondary 40 MHz channel within a bandwidth of 160 MHz or 80+80 MHz, the resource unit allocation field indicates which 20 MHz channel in the secondary 40 MHz channel is punctured.
This invention relates to wireless communication methods for managing bandwidth allocation in high-bandwidth scenarios, particularly when puncturing specific frequency channels. The problem addressed involves efficiently indicating which 20 MHz channels are punctured within secondary 40 MHz channels in broader bandwidth configurations, such as 80 MHz, 160 MHz, or 80+80 MHz. Puncturing refers to the selective exclusion of certain frequency channels to avoid interference or optimize resource usage. The method involves a bandwidth field that signals the presence of puncturing in one or more 20 MHz channels within a secondary 40 MHz segment of the overall bandwidth. When puncturing occurs, a resource unit allocation field specifies exactly which 20 MHz channel within the secondary 40 MHz channel is punctured. This ensures precise resource allocation and avoids ambiguity in channel usage. The approach is particularly useful in multi-channel environments where dynamic adjustments are needed to maintain communication efficiency and reliability. By clearly identifying punctured channels, the method helps devices adapt their transmission strategies accordingly, reducing interference and improving spectral efficiency. The solution is applicable in wireless networks where flexible bandwidth management is critical, such as in Wi-Fi or other high-frequency communication systems.
14. The wireless communication method of claim 8 , wherein when the bandwidth field indicates puncturing of a secondary 20 MHz channel within a bandwidth of 160 MHz or 80+80 MHz or puncturing of at least one of two 20 MHz channels in a secondary 40 MHz channel within a bandwidth of 160 MHz or 80+80 MHz, the resource unit allocation field indicates additional puncturing in a secondary 80 MHz channel.
This invention relates to wireless communication methods for managing bandwidth allocation in high-bandwidth scenarios, specifically addressing puncturing of secondary channels within wideband configurations. The method focuses on improving resource allocation efficiency when puncturing occurs in specific segments of a 160 MHz or 80+80 MHz bandwidth. In such cases, if a secondary 20 MHz channel is punctured within the 160 MHz or 80+80 MHz bandwidth, or if at least one of two 20 MHz channels in a secondary 40 MHz channel is punctured within the same bandwidth, the resource unit allocation field is used to indicate additional puncturing in a secondary 80 MHz channel. This approach ensures that resource allocation remains flexible and adaptable, even when certain frequency segments are unavailable due to interference or regulatory constraints. The method optimizes spectrum utilization by dynamically adjusting allocations based on puncturing conditions, thereby maintaining communication reliability and efficiency in high-bandwidth environments. The technique is particularly useful in wireless networks where bandwidth flexibility and interference management are critical, such as in Wi-Fi 6 and beyond.
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June 16, 2020
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